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en-usEngadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronicsCopyright 2017 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.https://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/29/mythic-closes-end-of-an-era-for-former-mmo-studio/https://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/29/mythic-closes-end-of-an-era-for-former-mmo-studio/https://massively.joystiq.com/2014/05/29/mythic-closes-end-of-an-era-for-former-mmo-studio/#comments

We saw this coming, but it doesn't make it any less regrettable: Long-time MMO studio Mythic Entertainment has been shut down by EA.

"We are closing the EA Mythic location in Fairfax, Virginia, as we concentrate mobile development in our other studio locations. We are working with all impacted employees to provide assistance in finding new opportunities, either within EA or with other companies via an upcoming job fair," EA told Kotaku.

Former Mythic lead Josh Drescher tweeted his reaction to the news: "Condolences to everyone at Mythic today. It's the end of an era, but you were all part of something amazing."

Due in part to the colossal success of League of Legends, the past few years have seen dozens of new MOBAs enter development. The genre that was once a niche inhabited by just a few indie developers has rapidly become one of the most competitive online gaming markets in the world, and small studios are finding it difficult to compete. Independent studio Petroglyph Games found this out the hard way when it launched free-to-play MOBA Rise of Immortals in 2011 to a less-than-stellar reception.

Following Disney'sacquisition of Star Wars and its related companies and properties, gaming fans have wondered what might happen to developer LucasArts. Out of all of the possible scenarios, the worst has happened: Disney has stopped development in the studio and laid off its employees.

From the official Disney statement:

"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games. As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

Massively conveys its sympathies to those affected by the decision. There's no word yet how this might affect Star Wars: The Old Republic, if at all.
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biowarebreakingclosecloseddisneyeaelectronic-artsf2pfiredfiringsfree-to-playlayofflayoffslucaslucasartsmmo industrynews itemspink-slipssci-fishutterstar wars: the old republicstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsunsetsswtorthe-old-republictorWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:00 -0400319|20528932https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/#comments

Word is that the company is also selling its subsidiary, Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games is the maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios' single-player prequel to its Copernicus MMO. This would not be the first time that Big Huge Games was sold by its parent company, as the studio experienced the same event back in 2009.

Oh his Facebook page, Curt Schilling stressed that Reckoning did quite well in sales. "I wanted to clear up some misinformation around 38 Studios' first product, Reckoning. Sales of Reckoning outperformed EA's expectations and sold more than 1.2 million units in the game's first 90 days in the market."

It truly is the end of an era. In just under two weeks, Microsoft will follow through with its plan to shutter the Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace for good. In a cautionary email, Redmond asked that those still using a WM device "install any available updates in advance of the [...] shut-down," scheduled for May 17th. Not all hope is lost for the antiquated mobile operating system, though, as the announcement reminds technology holdouts that application updates can be acquired directly from developers (good luck with that). If you're out on the town this evening having a few drinks with friends, remember to pour one out for Windows Mobile, a true OG smartphone operating system.

We knew Best Buy planned to close 50 of its big box retail locations by the end of its 2013 fiscal year, and now (just days after Mike Mikan took the CEO-reigns from Brian Dunn) it's detailed all of the stores that'll be getting the boot. As it stands, two locations have already been shut down, with six others set to close before the year is out -- and the company hopes to clear out the remaining 42 before May 12th. Employees at most of the stores were informed of the news this weekend, and despite the impending closures, the company says it'll try to re-position them within the company or offer up severance packages. Past that, Best Buy is also reaching out to the customers of these stores, noting that they'll still have other nearby locations to choose from -- try-before-you-buy online shoppers rejoice. There's still no specific word about the 100 Best Buy Mobile stores it hopes to setup, but more information will be forthcoming later in the year. Hit up the press release after the break if you'd like to parse the full list of affected locations or find out more details about the planned closures.
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best buybest buy mobilebestbuybestbuymobilecloseclosingclosingsclosureelectronicslayoffsmobilemobilepostcrossredundanciesretailretail locationretail storeretailerretailersretaillocationretailstoresalesalessmartphonesmartphonesstorestore closurestoreclosureSun, 15 Apr 2012 05:28:00 -040021|20215977https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/best-buy-to-close-50-stores/https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/best-buy-to-close-50-stores/https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/best-buy-to-close-50-stores/#comments

Still driving to your local Best Buy to fondle all the latest gadgets before swiping your card, or hopping to the web to pull the trigger? That tradition could be short-lived, if you happen to live near one of 50 big box retail stores that the company plans to shutter in 2013. The move was announced alongside Best Buy's Q4 earnings report, which includes action items aimed to trim $800 million in costs by 2015. The closings will no-doubt come along with staffer reductions, some of whom could be transferred to one of 100 Best Buy Mobile "small format stand-alone stores" set to launch next year. While an unfortunate move for some customers and employees, it does show some foresight on behalf of BBY management, who likely recognize a continuing shift to online purchasing, and a greater emphasis on mobile devices, which require significantly smaller showrooms, cost less to ship and could offer greater margins to boot.
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best buybest buy mobilebestbuybestbuymobilecloseclosingclosingsclosureelectronicslayoffsmobilemobilepostcrossredundanciesretailretail storeretailerretailersretailstoresalesalessmartphonesmartphonesstorestore closingstoreclosingstoresThu, 29 Mar 2012 09:23:00 -040021|20203782https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-putting-windows-mobile-6-x-market-out-to-pasture/https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-putting-windows-mobile-6-x-market-out-to-pasture/https://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-putting-windows-mobile-6-x-market-out-to-pasture/#comments

Are you still out there rockin' a Windows Mobile device? And, yes, notice we did not say "Windows Phone." Well, we've got some bad news (besides the fact that your handset is seriously obsolete) -- the Windows Marketplace for Mobile is getting ready to ride off into the sunset. In May of last year Microsoft stopped accepting new app submissions, now the store is being scheduled for complete shutdown on May 9th of 2012. After that day you might still be able to score some software straight from the devs or via third-party markets, but you'll no longer be able browse or download from the official outlet. If you're interested in a bit more info, we've embedded the entire notice after the break.

The final day for you to save all of your precious data from Slide and Photovine is quickly approaching. We knew that Slide and its various properties would eventually be shut down when founder Max Levchin left for greener pastures back in August of last year. Now the day is upon us -- on March 6th the services will be shuttered and any info you didn't export will be gone for good. So hit up the source to save your data before it's too late.
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closeclosingexportgoogleminipostphotovineshutdownslideThu, 01 Mar 2012 14:49:00 -050021|20183759https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/pack-up-your-toys-lego-universe-shutting-down-at-midnight/https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/pack-up-your-toys-lego-universe-shutting-down-at-midnight/https://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/pack-up-your-toys-lego-universe-shutting-down-at-midnight/#comments

The clock is chiming, and kids (and the young at heart) everywhere are asking for just a little more time with LEGO Universe. Unfortunately the struggling MMO has gotten no reprieve from the imaginary video game governor, and its servers will go offline tonight at midnight EST.

"Our decision to end LEGO Universe is similar to decisions we also make with LEGO Product collection, where favourite sets come and go to make space for new sets. It was time for LEGO Universe to end and hopefully new digital LEGO experiences will come in the future."

We first heard of LEGO Universe's closure last November, when the studio announced that the game's freemium model was not bringing in enough paying customers to keep the title afloat. LEGO Universe is a youngling in the MMO genre, having released in October 2010, making the game one year and three months old at the time of its shutdown.

Refunds for those who had a paid subscription on file after December 31st, 2011 will be distributed early next month. Unused LEGO game cards may also be exchanged for LEGO e-gift cards.
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closeclosingclosuref2pfamilyfree-to-playfreemiumkidslegolego universelego-grouplego-universemiscellaneousmmo industryshutdownMon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:00 -0500319|20159920https://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/cox-to-exit-wireless-business-sales-end-nov-16th-leaves-the-a/https://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/cox-to-exit-wireless-business-sales-end-nov-16th-leaves-the-a/https://www.engadget.com/2011/11/15/cox-to-exit-wireless-business-sales-end-nov-16th-leaves-the-a/#comments

Cox Wireless has always been something of an also-ran, trying to play catch up with the big boys that already had a well-established infrastructure. It snatched up some precious 700MHz spectrum from the FCC in 2008 and launched its somewhat gimmicky "unbelievably fair" service late last year. However, by May 2011 it was clear things were not going as planned. The company announced it would become a Sprint MVNO and finish migrating its customers to that network by the end of the year. Well, it appears even that plan was unsustainable as a tipster has sent us some legit looking documents indicating Cox plans to put its wireless division out of its misery completely. As of November 16th the company will cease selling wireless plans to new customers and support for existing subscribers will end on March 30th of 2012. The memo declares that Cox simply "no longer see[s] the 3G model as a strategic pursuit." Before you go pour one out for the short-lived carrier, head on after the break for one more pic.

Update: And Cox has now made it official. Its wireless service will indeed be discontinued for existing customers on March 30th, 2012, and it has stopped offering the service to new customers as of today.

Last we heard from Viliv, one of the OGs of the MID and UMPC world, it was throwing its hat in the tablet arena with a pair of Android slates and a Wintel slab at CES. Now, rumor has it, the company is prepping to close up shop and make a graceful exit from a market segment it helped pioneer. This is according to sources talking to UMPC Portal, but there have been other clues. The manufacturer was conspicuously absent from Computex in June and, when we reached out to its PR line, our emails we're bounced back as undeliverable. We're not quite ready to start digging Viliv's digital grave just yet but, in the face of competition from the likes of Samsung and Apple, we'd say the writing is on the wall.
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businesscloseclosingmidmobile internet devicemobileinternetdevicetablettabletsultra mobile pcultramobilepcumpcvilivWed, 20 Jul 2011 00:46:00 -040021|19995163https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-shuts-down-utility-monitoring-service-proves-you-can/https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-shuts-down-utility-monitoring-service-proves-you-can/https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-shuts-down-utility-monitoring-service-proves-you-can/#comments

Is there anything more tragic than a broken Hohm? Microsoft announced this week that it will be shuttering its utility monitoring service at the close of May 2012, citing a lack of consumer adoption. The news comes a week after Google announced the closing of its competing PowerMeter service. Despite the shutdown, however, Microsoft assures us all that it's still in the business of developing energy solutions for cities with a wide-ranging list of partners. Hohm itself will continue to operate through the end of May 2012, at which point its users will be rendered Hohmless.

Many Flip fans are already sporting black arm bands with little red spots in honor of the dying brand, and the New York Times reports there's more bad news coming. Starting May 12th, all videos uploaded to FlipShare will expire 30 days after they've been posted. This applies to videos you've already uploaded as well --- so you've got till June 11th to follow the lead of Google Video users and back up your collection of clips before they disappear into the digital ether. The FlipShare service will continue to live on for another two and a half years, if you don't mind the one month limit, but clearly Cisco wants users to move on with their video-sharing lives. Check out the more coverage link for instructions on how to export your videos, and let's have one more moment of silence for the tiny camcorder that could... at least until it couldn't.
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camcordercamcordersciscocloseclosingexpirationexpireflipflip videoflip camflipcamflipshareflipvideohostinglimitshutdownstreaming videostreamingvideotime limittimelimitvideoFri, 13 May 2011 03:49:00 -040021|19939243https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-netgear-boss-calls-game-over-for-microsof/https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-netgear-boss-calls-game-over-for-microsof/https://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-netgear-boss-calls-game-over-for-microsof/#commentsCan't say that Patrick Lo is a name that immediately rang any bells around here. He's certainly not as recognizable as Netgear, the company that he chairs and rules supreme. But boy did he hit our radar screens this morning. Lo had plenty of criticism to spread around the Microsoft and Apple camps today during a press lunch in Sydney. Oh where to even begin? Let's start with Microsoft, and Lo's claim that, "Microsoft is over -- game over, from my point of view," when comparing Windows Phone 7's chance to compete with Android and the iPhone. Doubtful, not with Redmond's Windows 7 and MS Office cash cows fueling Microsoft's intense desire to execute on its new mobile strategy.

Lo then turned his sights on Apple, having this to say on the topic of Steve Jobs' refusal to support Adobe Flash on Apple's mobile devices: "What's the reason for him to trash Flash? There's no reason other than ego." Funny, we thought it was due to performance, security, and power consumption issues. Lo later added, "Once Steve Jobs goes away, which is probably not far away, then Apple will have to make a strategic decision on whether to open up the platform." Classy. Hit the source link below if you're just dying to hear how "closed" systems are inferior to "open" systems all over again.

Update: We just received an email from Patrick Lo. While he continues to support his opinions expressed on open standards, he is backtracking from some of the comments. Notably, he regrets some of the words chosen, particularly those that seem related to Steve Jobs' health. Full apology after the break.
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adobeandroidapplece oh noce oh no he didntceohnoceohnohedidntcloseflashiosmicrosoftnetgearopenpatrick lopatricklosteve jobsstevejobswindows phonewindows phone 7windowsphonewindowsphone7wp7Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:32:00 -050021|19821497https://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/17/google-calls-apple-valuable-partner/https://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/17/google-calls-apple-valuable-partner/https://www.tuaw.com/2010/02/17/google-calls-apple-valuable-partner/#commentsSteve Jobs is trashing Google internally according to rumors, but Google is having none of it. Company reps told the press at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week that Google considers Apple "a very close and valuable partner," and that they believe that the relationship between the two companies "is stable."

Of course, they were responding to rumors that Microsoft's Bing search engine would replace Google on the iPhone, and common sense will tell you that it'll be a cold day somewhere very warm before Apple chooses to partner with Microsoft over Google. If push came to shove, Steve would probably create his own search engine before partnering up with anyone in Redmond.

But maybe the Google folks are also playing politics a little here -- Steve is not an unreasonable man, and he is known for being direct, especially in personal communication. Jobs can complain all he want in an internal meeting, but in public, it's probably best that Google takes the high road. Apple and Google may eventually have to show down over cell phones, but until they absolutely have to, it's probably better if they both play as nice as possible.

Seriously, Blockbuster can't seem to get a break. In a recent SEC filing, the company identified 18 percent of its retail outlets it deemed unprofitable and announced plans to close up to 960 stores by the end of 2010. That's divided into up to 685 by the end of this year and the remaining 275 the year after, but the filing continues to say that up to 1,560 locations, or 22 percent of its total retail coverage, could end up falling the wayside. Another slide indicates how the company sees itself going forward, with an expansion of kiosks and its Total Access subscriber base, and putting OnDemand in "nearly every connected device." Of course, if this brings Blockbuster back to profitability as it expects to be, then more power to it, but it's clear that the one-time king is fighting wars on a number of sides and has a long way to go if it intends to stay afloat, much less reclaim its crown.

Seriously, Blockbuster can't seem to get a break. In a recent SEC filing, the company identified 18 percent of its retail outlets it deemed unprofitable and announced plans to close up to 960 stores by the end of 2010. That's divided into up to 685 by the end of this year and the remaining 275 the year after, but the filing continues to say that up to 1,560 locations, or 22 percent of its total retail coverage, could end up falling the wayside. Another slide indicates how the company sees itself going forward, with an expansion of kiosks and its Total Access subscriber base, and putting OnDemand in "nearly every connected device." Of course, if this brings Blockbuster back to profitability as it expects to be, then more power to it, but it's clear that the one-time king is fighting wars on a number of sides and has a long way to go if it intends to stay afloat, much less reclaim its crown.

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block busterblock buster videoblockbusterblockbuster ondemandblockbusterondemandblockbustervideobusinesscloseclosurefilinghdtvhome entertainmenton demandondemandretailretail outletsretail storesretailoutletsretailstoressecsec filingsecfilingshut downshutdowntotal accesstotalaccessTue, 15 Sep 2009 20:32:00 -040021|19162782https://www.engadget.com/2008/11/06/sound-advice-closing-up-shop-liquidating-stores/https://www.engadget.com/2008/11/06/sound-advice-closing-up-shop-liquidating-stores/https://www.engadget.com/2008/11/06/sound-advice-closing-up-shop-liquidating-stores/#commentsAnother one bites the proverbial dust. Hot on the heels of Tweeter zipping up its distribution centers comes word that the Florida-based Sound Advice will be throwing in the towel as well. Interestingly enough, we just heard hours ago that ripples from the Circuit City / Tweeter closings could affect upscale dealers, and here we are watching 22 boutique shops liquidate their current inventory and call it a done deal. About 50 employees stand to lose their jobs, but of course, those with an outlet around can take advantage of some killer deals right about now. Granted, this probably has quite a bit to do with the fact that Tweeter actually acquired Sound Advice in 2001 for $61 million, and generally speaking, children don't fare too well when their parents hit the skids.
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closeclosingeconomyfloridahdliquidationsaleshut downshutdownsound advicesoundadvicespeakersThu, 06 Nov 2008 12:01:00 -050021|1363335https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/mythos-is-dead-but-its-memory-lives-on/https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/mythos-is-dead-but-its-memory-lives-on/https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/mythos-is-dead-but-its-memory-lives-on/#comments

"Farewell friends, farewell Mythos" echoed throughout the Stonehill Market. Players congregated and crowded the area to praise Mythos and say their goodbyes. "I don't know what game to play next," cried several others. It's the people behind the characters that matter, the emotions are real, honest, and believable. The death of any MMOG is always a disheartening experience but it also brings cause to celebrate and forge a lasting adventure into a lifetime memory.

Several appreciative and ever thankful Mythos developers were of course present. Lead Developer, Travis Baldree spawned a cataclysmic event for the players to partake in that lasted well into the night. Mythos players joked that it took a crashed server to defeat them as they settled in for the fireworks. Mythos CM, Tiggs made her presence felt by continually talking and laughing with the community. As the final seconds approached the world quaked, and before Mythos collapsed offline the lasting words ringed out: "You will be remembered." It was a very fitting tribute and gracious sentiment indeed. It was a good nine months, and we hope to see Mythos back again one day.

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betasbreakingcloseclosingclosurecultureend-of-mythosevents (in-game)events (real-world)fantasyflagship-studiosfree-to-playgallerymmo industrymythosmythos-betasmythos-closesmythos-endmythos-gallerymythos-hiatusnew titlesnews itemsscreenshotstiggstravis-baldreeMon, 21 Jul 2008 19:30:00 -0400319|1261010https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/https://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/mythos-hellgate-forums-scheduled-to-die-tonight/#commentsFlagship Studios rep Tiggs announced last night on the official Mythosand Hellgate London forums that both forums will be shutting down effective midnight tonight. The message was very brief, and didn't give any specific clues as to when, if ever, the forums will be back. Tiggs simply said: "We would like to thank everyone for being a part of this wonderful community and we hope to see you all again soon."